Adults reluctant to fly the nest

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The number of 18 to 34 year olds living rent-free with friends and relatives has soared in the past 12 months.

New figures have revealed that approximately 1.6 million 18 to 34 year olds look to family and friends to put a roof over their head, saving themselves an average of over £440 a month on rent, according to Abbey Mortgages.

Perhaps more surprisingly, an estimated 300,000 people aged 35 to 54 now find themselves in the same position; altogether UK adults are benefiting to the tune of £839 million per year by putting the breaks on paying rent.

Adults in London are the most likely to live rent free, with 270,000 of the capital's 18 to 54 year olds doing just that.

Furthermore, southerners are twice as likely to enjoy gratis living compared with those in the North East and North West, where house prices and average rents are considerably lower.

"In the current climate many people have little choice but to return home or turn to their friends or family for somewhere to live at no cost," said Nici Audhlam Gardiner, director at the building society.

"This time last year, less than half a million people claimed to be living rent free. Today, this figure has leapt to almost two million."

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